Sprucing up your coffee table without breaking the bank? I’ve faced that challenge, too. DIY coasters are the perfect blend of style and functionality & they’re a fun project.
Struggling to find the right ideas? This article is packed with easy, creative steps to craft coasters that will impress any guest.
Let’s dive in and get crafty!
DIY Coasters
Coasters are small, flat objects used to protect surfaces from stains and damage caused by drinks.
Made from materials like wood, cork, or plastic, coasters prevent water rings and heat marks on tables and countertops.
They’re often decorative, adding style to your home while being functional. Coasters are easy to clean and can be found in a variety of designs, making them a practical and attractive addition to any living space.
1. Cork Coasters
Cork coasters are a classic DIY project that’s both functional and stylish. To make these, you’ll need cork sheets, a craft knife, and some paint or markers.
Start by cutting the cork sheets into your desired shape, whether it’s round, square, or something more creative.
Once cut, you can personalize your coasters with colorful designs or patterns. Use acrylic paint or permanent markers to add a personal touch.
You can even stencil on intricate designs for a more polished look. These coasters are not only absorbent but also add a rustic charm to your table setting.
Cork is a sustainable material, making this project environmentally friendly. It’s a fun, simple project that you can easily complete in the afternoon.
2. Tile Coasters
Tile coasters are another great DIY project that can add a touch of elegance to your home.
Start by purchasing plain ceramic tiles from a hardware store. You can choose any size or shape that you prefer.
To personalize the tiles, use Mod Podge to adhere decorative paper or fabric to the surface. Once the design is in place, seal it with a few coats of clear acrylic spray.
This will protect the surface from moisture and make the coasters durable. You can also use Sharpies or paint pens to create custom designs directly on the tiles.
These coasters are easy to clean and make a beautiful addition to any coffee table or dining area.
3. Resin Coasters
Resin coasters are a fantastic way to showcase your creativity. You’ll need a resin kit, which includes resin and hardener, silicone molds, and various decorative elements like dried flowers, glitter, or small shells.
Mix the resin according to the package instructions, then pour it into the molds. Add your decorative elements before the resin starts to set.
You can create stunning, transparent coasters with beautiful inclusions that look like they’ve been captured in glass.
Let the resin cure for the recommended time, then pop your coasters out of the molds.
These coasters are not only gorgeous but also extremely durable and heat-resistant, making them perfect for everyday use.
4. Photo Coasters
Photo coasters are a personalized gift idea that can be cherished for years. To create these, you’ll need ceramic tiles, Mod Podge, and your favorite photos.
Print your photos to fit the size of the tiles. Apply a layer of Mod Podge to the tile, place the photo on top, and smooth out any bubbles.
Once dry, add several more coats of Mod Podge over the photo, allowing each coat to dry thoroughly. This will protect the photo and create a smooth, glossy finish.
You can also use a clear acrylic spray for extra durability. These coasters are a wonderful way to keep cherished memories close at hand.
5. Wooden Slice Coasters
Wooden slice coasters bring a touch of nature into your home. You can use slices from a tree branch or purchase pre-cut wood slices from a craft store.
Sand the surfaces smooth and apply a clear sealant to protect the wood.
For added flair, you can burn designs into the wood using a wood-burning tool or paint them with acrylic paints. These coasters are perfect for a rustic or farmhouse decor style.
They not only look great but are also very durable and can handle hot and cold beverages with ease.
6. Felt Coasters
Felt coasters are soft, colorful, and easy to make. You’ll need sheets of felt in various colors, scissors, and fabric glue.
Cut the felt into your desired shapes, such as circles, squares, or hexagons. You can also layer different colors of felt to create interesting patterns and designs.
Use fabric glue to secure the layers together. Felt is naturally absorbent and protects your furniture from moisture.
These coasters are perfect for adding a pop of color to your home and can be easily customized to match any decor style.
7. Rope Coasters
Rope coasters are a great way to add a nautical touch to your home. You’ll need natural rope, a hot glue gun, and scissors.
Start by coiling the rope tightly, adding a dab of hot glue every few inches to hold the coil together.
Continue coiling and gluing until your coaster reaches the desired size. You can leave the rope natural for a rustic look or dye it for a splash of color.
These coasters are sturdy and heat-resistant, and add a unique texture to your table setting. They’re also a great way to use up any leftover rope from other projects.
8. Pallet Coasters
Mini pallet coasters are a fun and trendy project that gives a miniature look of wooden pallets.
You’ll need small wooden craft sticks, a hot glue gun, and some paint or stain. Start by cutting the sticks to size and gluing them together to create the pallet shape.
Once assembled, you can paint or stain the wood to match your decor. These coasters have a charming, rustic look and are surprisingly sturdy.
They make a great conversation piece and are perfect for protecting your surfaces from hot or cold drinks.
9. Fabric Coasters
Fabric coasters are an excellent way to use up scrap fabric and add a touch of color to your home. You’ll need fabric scraps, batting, and a sewing machine.
Cut the fabric and batting into squares or circles, making sure to cut two pieces of fabric for each piece of batting.
Sandwich the batting between the fabric pieces, then sew around the edges, leaving a small opening to turn the coaster right side out.
Once turned, sew the opening closed and add any additional stitching for decoration.
These coasters are soft, absorbent, and machine washable, making them a practical and stylish addition to your home.
10. Concrete Coasters
Concrete coasters have an industrial chic look and are incredibly durable. You’ll need a small bag of concrete mix, water, and silicone molds.
Mix the concrete according to the package instructions and pour it into the molds.
You can add pigment to the concrete for a splash of color or leave it natural for a minimalist look. Allow the concrete to set and cure completely before removing from the molds.
Once cured, you can sand the edges smoothly and seal the coasters with a concrete sealant. These coasters are perfect for adding a modern, edgy touch to your decor.
11. Upcycled CD Coasters
If you have old CDs lying around, you can easily turn them into stylish coasters. Start by covering the shiny side of the CD with fabric, paper, or decorative tape.
Use Mod Podge or a strong adhesive to secure the covering. You can also paint the CDs with acrylic paint and add designs or patterns.
Once the CDs are decorated, apply a layer of clear acrylic sealant to protect the surface.
These coasters are a great way to upcycle old materials and add a unique, personalized touch to your home.
12. Bottle Cap Coasters
Bottle cap coasters are a fun way to reuse caps from your favorite beverages. You’ll need a collection of bottle caps, a wooden or cork base, and strong adhesive.
Arrange the bottle caps on the base in a pattern you like, then glue them in place. You can also fill the gaps between the caps with resin for a smooth, glossy finish.
These coasters are durable and make a great conversation piece. They’re perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to your home and showcasing your favorite drinks.
13. Embroidered Coasters
Embroidered coasters are a beautiful way to add a personal touch to your home. You’ll need fabric, embroidery thread, an embroidery hoop, and a needle.
Cut the fabric into your desired shape and size, then place it in the embroidery hoop.
Use embroidery thread to stitch your design onto the fabric. You can create intricate patterns, monograms, or simple designs.
Once the embroidery is complete, remove the fabric from the hoop and sew a backing onto the coaster to hide the stitches and add durability.
These coasters are a lovely way to showcase your embroidery skills and add a handmade touch to your decor.
14. Marble Coasters
Marble coasters are elegant and surprisingly easy to make. You’ll need plain white tiles, nail polish in various colors, and a container of water.
Fill the container with water, then drip the nail polish onto the surface of the water. Swirl the colors together with a toothpick to create a marbled effect.
Dip the tile into the water, allowing the nail polish to adhere to the surface. Remove the tile and let it dry completely.
Once dry, seal the coaster with a clear acrylic spray to protect the surface. These coasters are stunning and add a touch of sophistication to any room.
15. Button Coasters
Button coasters are a fun and colorful project that’s perfect for using up spare buttons. You’ll need a collection of buttons in various colors and sizes, a cork or felt base and a strong adhesive.
Arrange the buttons on the base in a pattern you like, then glue them in place. You can create a rainbow effect, a monochromatic design, or a random assortment of colors.
These coasters are not only practical but also add a playful, whimsical touch to your home.
They’re a great way to showcase your creativity and add a pop of color to your decor.
16. Seashell Coasters
Seashell coasters bring a beachy vibe to your home decor. For this project, gather a collection of seashells, a cork or wooden base, and strong adhesive.
Arrange the seashells on the base in a pattern you like, ensuring they lie flat and securely.
Once arranged, glue the shells in place. For added durability, you can coat the coasters with a layer of clear resin, which will give them a glossy, polished finish.
These coasters are perfect for beach lovers and make for a beautiful reminder of your seaside adventures.
17. Comic Book Coasters
Comic book coasters are a fun way to add a pop of color and nostalgia to your coffee table.
To create these, you’ll need old comic books or printouts, ceramic tiles, and Mod Podge. Cut the comic book pages to fit the size of the tiles.
Apply a layer of Mod Podge to the tile, place the comic book page on top, and smooth out any bubbles.
Once dry, add several more coats of Mod Podge to seal and protect the surface. These coasters are perfect for comic book enthusiasts and add a playful touch to any room.
18. Scrabble Tile Coasters
Scrabble tile coasters are a creative way to personalize your coasters with words or names. You’ll need a collection of Scrabble tiles, a cork or wooden base, and strong adhesive.
Arrange the tiles on the base to spell out words, phrases, or names. Once arranged, glue the tiles in place.
For a polished look, you can coat the coasters with a layer of clear resin, which will make them durable and easy to clean.
These coasters are a great conversation starter and a fun way to incorporate a love of word games into your decor.
19. Pressed Flower Coasters
Pressed flower coasters are a beautiful way to incorporate nature into your home decor. You’ll need clear resin, silicone molds, and a selection of pressed flowers.
Mix the resin according to the package instructions, then pour a thin layer into the molds.
Arrange the pressed flowers on the surface of the resin, then pour another layer of resin on top to encase the flowers completely. Allow the resin to cure according to the package instructions.
These coasters capture the delicate beauty of flowers and make a stunning addition to any table setting.
20. Map Coasters
Map coasters are a fantastic way to showcase your favorite places or travel destinations. You’ll need old maps or printouts, ceramic tiles, and Mod Podge.
Cut the maps to fit the size of the tiles. Apply a layer of Mod Podge to the tile, place the map on top, and smooth out any bubbles.
Once dry, add several more coats of Mod Podge to seal and protect the surface. You can also use a clear acrylic spray for added durability.
These coasters are perfect for travel enthusiasts and add a personalized touch to your decor.
Jose M. Lemon is a prolific writer and enthusiastic DIY enthusiast with a deep passion for all things related to do-it-yourself projects. With an extensive background in crafting and building, Jose has dedicated his career to exploring and sharing innovative DIY ideas across various platforms.